Clockwise from top: Downtown Vancouver as seen from the southern shore of False Creek, The University of British Columbia, Lions Gate Bridge.

Vancouver, Canada Vancouver is surrounded by coastal mountains, the Pacific Ocean and scenic foliage. Home to one of North America’s largest urban parks, Stanley Park, Vancouver has been praised for its green living.

Tofino BC Guide to Beaches, Hiking Trails, Activities

More info: It was too hot for New York City; too hot for Stanford University. But a controversial, imposing sculpture by renowned international artist Dennis Oppenheim finally found a public home in laid-back Vancouver.